Health inspectors temporarily close Bradenton-area breakfast restaurant for bug problems

Florida’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants routinely inspects restaurants, food trucks and other food-service establishments for public health and cleanliness issues.

The reports are public information.

During recent inspections, a Bradenton-area breakfast and lunch restaurant was temporarily closed after pest problems were found:

Judy’s Restaurant, 9516 Cortez Road W., Bradenton — Inspected Aug. 24

• High priority: An inspector observed one live roach on the floor by the cook line.
• High priority: An employee cracked raw shell eggs and then failed to wash hands/change gloves before proceeding.
• High priority: Raw bacon was stored on a shelf above cheese slices. Corrective action was taken.
• High priority: Boiled eggs were date-marked as more than a week old. Corrective action was taken.
• High priority: A spray hose at a dish sink was lower than the flood rim of the sink. Corrective action was taken.
• High priority: Ground beef, chicken breast, ham and ground sausage were held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. A stop sale was issued due to temperature abuse, and the items were discarded.
• High priority: Eggs that were supposed to be monitored using time as a public health control had no time marking, and the time removed from temperature control could not be determined. Corrective action was taken.
• Intermediate: The establishment had no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Corrective action was taken.
• Intermediate: A meat slicer blade was soiled.
• Basic violations: An inspector noted 14 basic violations, including five dead roaches on site and an accumulation of a mold-like substance in a kitchen ice machine.
• A follow-up inspection was required. During a follow-up visit on Aug. 25, an inspector observed approximately 40 live roaches under a dish machine and three-compartment sink roughly 10 feet from the cook line. Approximately 38 dead roaches were observed in various areas of the establishment. The inspector ordered that Judy’s Restaurant be temporarily closed.
• The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Aug. 26 and was allowed to reopen.

Editor’s Note: According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, these reports are a “snapshot” of the conditions present at the time of the inspection and are public record. The agency is required to inspect every licensed restaurant at least once per year, but new and “high-risk” establishments tend to be inspected more frequently.

When an emergency shutdown order is given by an inspector, it must first be reviewed and approved by agency supervisors. In order for a business to reopen, an inspector will continue visiting the establishment daily until compliance is met. Some citations may include a financial penalty. Inspectors may also respond to complaints, which can be filed at www.myfloridalicense.com.

This story was originally published September 5, 2023 at 11:38 AM.